Jeremy Underwood Solar Energy Partners - SEP

11/26/2023

Solar power is becoming an increasingly popular option for home and business owners due to its many benefits. With solar panels, you can reduce your energy costs, help the environment, and even make money by selling excess power back to the grid.

In this article, we’ve listed some interesting solar power statistics that will give you a better idea of just how popular this renewable energy source is becoming. Keep in mind that as solar technology continues to improve and prices drop, these numbers are only going to continue to grow.

Are you considering making the switch to solar?
If so, your making a very wise decision as well as investment. Below you see the California progress, Texas is not far behind. Everything's bigger and better in Texas, right!
Everyone will be solar at some point! Why not take advantage of it "now" as the government is not only rewarding you (tax credit/$0 down-out of pocket money period) but forcing your hand with the utility providers making up their own rules along the way.

11/26/2023

11/26/2023

Texas Electric Delivery Rates Soar to Highest Level in 5 Years!!

Delivery rates for Texas electricity change twice a year, in March and September. And as of September 2023, the price you pay per kilowatt hour to get power to your home is at its highest level in five years.

Why do Texas Electric Delivery Rates Change?
Electric delivery rates pay for the infrastructure that gets power to your home or business.

While electricity supply is deregulated in most of Texas, the Public Utility Commission of Texas regulates your local utility company.

Each utility company must submit proof of their infrastructure and delivery costs. And they receive a guaranteed rate of return on that investment, to pay for these essential services.

Trends – Texas Electricity Delivery Rates
This chart shows Texas electric delivery rate trends for the past 5 years.

This dramatic increase in delivery fees is due to several factors: transmission and distribution costs (getting power from where it’s generated to where it’s needed), peak demand and infrastructure maintenance.

texas electricity delivery rates trend chart for 2017 - 2023

11/14/2023

How Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?

Most homeowners know that solar panels reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Those long-term savings help boost your home’s property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), your home value increases by $20 for every $1 you save on energy bills. For example, if your solar energy system saves you $700 per year, the value of your home increases by $14,000.

Real estate agents and home appraisers have found that this also increases your market value when selling your home. A 2021 Zillow housing trends report found that 67% of homebuyers considered energy efficiency to be a “very to extremely important” inclusion for a potential home. Homebuyers are willing to pay $15,000 or more for a solar powered-home, according to a large-scale solar home study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).

This push for energy-efficient homes translates to higher home sale prices for sellers. Prospective buyers will spend 4.1% more for a solar-powered home, or around $9,274. These boosted resale values are even higher in certain housing markets. In New York, for example, buyers will pay an additional $23,989 for a solar home versus comparable homes.

Net-Metering
Most quality solar systems produce more energy than your home needs. Net-metering programs allow homeowners to sell this surplus energy back to the grid for credits on their utility bills or annual payouts. Net-metering programs vary throughout the country and may be enforced at the state level or by a specific utility company. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for programs in your area.

11/09/2023

It just makes sense!!!
Reach out for a free proposal to see how much you could save. It's easy, just need a utility bill statement and the design team will do the rest!